When students of Sandy Hocker’s career orientation class at Russellville Junior High began a project learning how to make cards on computers, they thought of it as another school project, one that allowed them to have fun while flexing their artistic muscles.

Then the second-deadliest shooting in American history occurred, when a gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., and shot and killed 27 people, most of them children.

In the ensuing days, Russellville students discussed the shootings in their classes, and Hocker’s class was no different. Both Hocker and her students felt the same as millions of Americans across the nation — helplessness, coupled with a desire to help.

“I wish I could do something,” one student said.

And then Hocker had an idea.

“I asked them if they would like to create a card to express their feelings,” she said. “And then response was unanimous.”

Hocker scheduled a day to work in the computer lab, and the class found an opportunity to take a class project and make it meaningful, for both them and a community of people they’ve never met.

“It’s a form of release,” Hocker said. “They can’t understand this, and they don’t know why it happened, but to say ‘I’m sorry’ to someone is a small measure of healing.”

Hocker, whose 105 students all made cards, sent them to Newtown during the Christmas break. With the grieving elementary school inundated with gifts expressing consolation — Associated Press reports stated a 20,000-square-foot warehouse in Newtown serving as a donation center was packed wall-to-wall with toys — it’s unlikely Hocker or her students will receive a letter in return, at least not anytime soon.

But the gratification from the experience has been worth it all the same.

“I was very moved by the compassion and expressions of sympathy,” Hocker said. “It’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever experienced as a teacher.”

Hocker made copies of the letters, which are showcased on a bulletin board at the school. The cards are posted in front of a background containing white paper bordered by green trim, which represent Sandy Hook’s school colors.

One student, who is an identical twin, wrote about Noah Pozner, a twin who was a victim of the shootings.

“I saw about the twins on the news,” the card read. “I am very sorry about all your losses, and I wish this never had happened to the children.”

The front of one card reads, “Praying for you guys!” above a picture of an array of votive candles.

“I cannot even begin to say how sorry I am for your loss for those words seem inadequate,” another card reads. “But please know through these trying times a nation’s thoughts and prayers of peace and love are with you.”

Hocker said students frequently stop to read the cards on the board.

“The cards on the bulletin board serve as a reminder of the tragedy and the lives lost on that terrible day,” she said.